Rwenzori Marathon 2026
Where adventure meets endurance
About This Event
Race registration for the Rwenzori Marathon is now officially open — and this is more than just a race, it's a full East African adventure. Five unforgettable days from Nairobi through Jinja and Kampala to the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in Kasese, Uganda. Run against one of Africa's most scenic backdrops, celebrate at the post-race street party, and return home with tired legs, full hearts, and memories that last a lifetime.
Highlights
- Run at the foothills of the legendary Rwenzori Mountains
- Visit the Source of the Nile in Jinja
- Optional bungee jumping over the River Nile
- Experience Kampala's electric nightlife
- Optional Rwenzori Ranges hike or Queen Elizabeth NP safari
- Post-race street party with music and culture
- Comfortable overland bus with reclining seats
- 4 race categories: 5KM, 10KM, 21KM, 42KM
Race Categories
Start with a curated tier — or build your own
Every package includes the full Trek service layer at no extra cost — race registration, bib delivery, on-ground support.
Essential
Drive yourself, camp under the Rwenzori stars. Race and Trek service layer included.
From
Ksh 11,200
- Race Registration & Bib Handling
- Self-Drive (your own car)
- Camping — Trek-provided tent (4 nights)
Classic
The most popular Rwenzori package — Trek bus, sharing hotel room, 4 nights (1 Kampala + 3 Kasese).
From
Ksh 31,700
- Race Registration & Bib Handling
- Trek Overland Bus (Nairobi return)
- Sharing Room (4 nights, per person)
Explorer
Classic + Queen Elizabeth NP day safari + AMREF evacuation cover. For the curious adventurer.
From
Ksh 38,500
- Race Registration & Bib Handling
- Trek Overland Bus (Nairobi return)
- Sharing Room (4 nights, per person)
- Queen Elizabeth NP day safari
- AMREF medical evacuation cover
Ultimate
Everything: private room, airport pickup, safari, foothills hike, medical cover, and the Trek race tee.
From
Ksh 52,500
- Race Registration & Bib Handling
- Trek Overland Bus (Nairobi return)
- Single Room (4 nights)
- Airport pickup — Entebbe
- Queen Elizabeth NP day safari
- Rwenzori foothills day hike
- AMREF medical evacuation cover
- Trek branded race t-shirt
Itinerary
Nairobi → Jinja → Kampala
19th August
MiddayHighlight1 of 3Jinja — Source of the Nile
Arrive in the vibrant adventure capital of East Africa. Enjoy a relaxed lunch by the water and witness the legendary Source of the Nile — where Africa's longest river begins its 6,650 km journey to the Mediterranean.
Pro Tip: Have your camera ready — the Source of the Nile monument is a must-photo spot.
Afternoon (if time allows)2 of 3Optional: Bungee Over the Nile
For the thrill seekers — take a leap of faith with a bungee jump over the mighty River Nile. A 44-metre free fall with the Nile rapids roaring below. Not for the faint-hearted!
Pro Tip: Bungee is self-sponsored and subject to time availability. Book on arrival.
Evening – Night3 of 3Kampala by Night
As the sun sets, we roll into Uganda's capital. Kampala's nightlife is legendary — from rooftop bars to live music venues. Experience the electric energy, the music, the culture. Kampala by night never disappoints.
Kampala → Kasese
20th August
Morning – Afternoon1 of 2Journey Through Western Uganda
A scenic drive through the heart of Uganda. Watch the landscape shift from Kampala's urban energy to the lush green rolling hills and tea plantations of the west. Every turn reveals another postcard view.
Late AfternoonHighlight2 of 2Arrive in Kasese — Gateway to the Rwenzoris
Arrive at Kasese town at the foot of the legendary Mountains of the Moon. Check into accommodation, stretch your legs, and take in the dramatic mountain backdrop that will be your race-day scenery.
Pro Tip: Get an early night — tomorrow's exploration day starts with a shake-out run.
Exploration Day
21st August
6:00 – 7:30 AM1 of 3Morning Shake-Out Run
Ease into race week with a light morning jog through Kasese. Loosen up those travel-stiff legs and get a feel for the altitude and terrain before the big day tomorrow.
Rest of Day2 of 3Option A: Rwenzori Ranges Hike
Take on a self-sponsored hike into the breathtaking Rwenzori ranges — Africa's third-highest mountain range and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lush montane forest, waterfalls, and views that will take your breath away.
Pro Tip: Hikes are self-sponsored. Arrange through local guides at the Rwenzori Mountains National Park gate.
Rest of DayHighlight3 of 3Option B: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Opt for a wildlife adventure in one of Uganda's most famous parks. Spot elephants along the Kazinga Channel, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, and over 600 bird species in this incredible biodiversity hotspot.
Pro Tip: Queen Elizabeth NP is about 30 mins from Kasese. Self-sponsored — park fees apply.
Race Day
22nd August
MorningHighlight1 of 2Rwenzori Marathon
The moment we've been waiting for. Lace up and run against one of Africa's most scenic backdrops. Four categories — 5KM, 10KM, half marathon, and the full 42KM. Every step framed by the snow-capped Rwenzori peaks.
Afternoon – Late Night2 of 2Post-Race Street Party
After the race, the celebration begins. A vibrant street party hosted by the organizers — live music, cultural performances, local food, and unforgettable vibes deep into the night. You've earned it!
Return Home
23rd August
Full Day1 of 1Journey Back to Nairobi
The adventure draws to a close. Board the bus for the journey home through the beautiful Ugandan countryside. Tired legs, full hearts, new friends, and memories that will last a lifetime.
What's Included
- Race registration handled by Trek (we register you directly with the organizer)
- Bib collection from race HQ
- Bib delivery to your hotel room
- Dedicated Trek contact on-site throughout the trip
- Race-day logistics support
- Accommodation (as per your selection)
- Breakfast at accommodation
- Transport (if you book the Trek bus)
- Post-race street party
Not Included
- Flights (if you self-fly)
- Fuel (if you self-drive)
- Optional add-on activities (safari, hike, airport pickup)
- Park entry fees for optional safaris/hikes
- Meals other than breakfast
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
Everything you need to plan this trip
Fitness Level
Rwenzori Marathon is approachable for recreational runners with a training base. The course is rolling with one significant climb. Pick your distance based on your current weekly mileage: 5KM for casual walkers, 10KM for regular joggers (15+ km/week), 21KM for committed runners (30+ km/week), 42KM for experienced marathoners (50+ km/week).
Prerequisites
- Comfortable running your chosen distance at any pace
- At least one long run per week in the 6 weeks before the trip
- Experience running on rolling hills (Rwenzori isn't flat)
- General good health — no recent injuries or cardiovascular issues
Visa & Entry
Visa-free for East African Community residents (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan). Valid passport and yellow fever certificate are the only requirements.
What you need
- Valid passport (6 months remaining)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for all travellers)
Non-EAC travellers: apply for the Uganda e-visa at visas.immigration.go.ug 2–3 weeks before travel. Fee is USD 50, processing 2–5 business days. Trek provides an accommodation confirmation letter on request.
Your Trip Leader
Albert Mwangi
Trip Leader — East Africa
4 years with Trek
Albert has been leading Trek travelers across East Africa for 4 years. A sub-3-hour marathoner himself, he's run Rwenzori three times and knows every turn of the course. Off-duty, he's a Wilderness First Responder and a keen birder. He speaks English, Swahili, and basic Runyoro.
Responsible Tourism
Per traveler contribution
Ksh 500
Trek contributes KSh 500 from every Rwenzori booking to the Bakonjo Mountain Communities Fund — local guides, school support, and sustainable trail maintenance around the Rwenzori foothills.
In partnership with Bakonjo Mountain Communities Fund
Packing List
Pack for cool mornings, warm afternoons, and race-day comfort. Plan for 4 days + the trip back.
Running gear
- Running shoes (trail shoes optional — course is paved)
- Running socks — 2 pairs
- Running shorts or tights
- Technical running tee — 2 (one for race day, one backup)
- Running cap and sunglasses
- Sports watch or GPS watch (optional)
Hydration & race day
- Handheld water bottle OR running vest
- Electrolyte tablets / energy gels
- Race-day breakfast snacks you trust
Course has water stations every 5km.
Weather protection
- Light rain jacket
- Warm layer for evenings (Kasese cools down after sunset)
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Insect repellent
Post-race / casual
- Flip flops / sandals for after the race
- 2-3 casual outfits
- Warm layer for the afterparty
Documents & money
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Uganda e-visa printout (non-EAC travelers)
- Travel insurance card
- USD cash (~$200 for extras) + some Kenya Shillings
- Phone charger & power bank
- International plug adapter (Uganda uses UK 3-pin)
Optional add-ons
- Camera with zoom lens (for safari add-on)
- Binoculars (Queen Elizabeth NP)
- Trekking poles (foothills hike add-on)
- Swimsuit (hotel pool or Lake Bunyonyi)
Frequently Asked Questions
Kasese sits at ~1,000m and the race route goes up to ~1,500m — altitude isn't a major factor for the marathon itself. If you add the optional Rwenzori foothills hike, you'll touch ~2,500m briefly, but the pace is casual. No altitude acclimatization required.
August is the driest month in Kasese. Expect 15–25°C, clear mornings, and occasional afternoon showers. Pack a light rain jacket just in case — Rwenzori weather can turn quickly near the mountains.
Absolutely. Trek accommodates supporters and spouses. You'll share the Trek bus, accommodation, and all group meals. We recommend the 5KM distance if you want to participate but don't race competitively — it's walkable.
The race proceeds in light rain. In heavy weather, start times may shift by 30–60 minutes. The organizers have never cancelled a Rwenzori Marathon. Your Trek team will update you in person the evening before.
If you're flying in independently, add the Airport Pickup option (KSh 3,500). Otherwise, Uber is reliable in Entebbe/Kampala (~KSh 2,000). Avoid unmarked taxis. The Trek team can coordinate timing with you on WhatsApp.
Uganda Shillings (UGX) are the official currency. 1 USD ≈ 3,700 UGX. Major hotels in Kampala accept cards and dollars; in Kasese, cash is king. ATMs are available in both towns. Don't exchange at the airport — rates are poor.
Yes. Kasese is a welcoming tourist town and the Trek group moves together throughout the trip. Petty theft is rare but sensible precautions apply — keep your passport in your hotel safe, don't flash electronics in crowded areas.
English is Uganda's official language and widely spoken everywhere. Swahili is useful in casual settings. Your Trek leader speaks both plus basic Runyoro (the local language in Kasese).
The full marathon has a generous 7-hour cutoff. Half marathon 3:30, 10K 1:45. If you're slower, you'll still finish — the course stays open and Trek's team will be waiting at the finish line regardless.
Yes, and we love it. The 5K is kid-friendly. Accommodation at our partner hotels is family-friendly. We can arrange swimming and excursions while parents run. Reach out before booking so we confirm kid-sized accommodation and the safari extension is age-appropriate.
The Trek Difference
At no extra cost, with every booking
Race registration handled by Trek
We register you directly with the event organizer. No wrestling with foreign websites or payment forms.
Bib collection from race HQ
We collect your bib from the race expo. No queueing on race eve while your legs cramp.
Bib delivered to your hotel room
Your bib will be waiting for you at reception the day before the race. One less thing to worry about.
Dedicated Trek contact on-site
A local Trek team member is on the ground throughout your trip. Local SIM, local knowledge, real support.
Race-day logistics support
Transport to the start line, cheer zones, recovery meal coordination — we sweat the small stuff so you don't.
Whether you bus, drive, or fly
All of the above is included at no extra cost — even if you arrange your own transport. That's the Trek way.